Dr. Roi Baer, a former fellow at IIAS during the 2011-2012 academic year and the organizer of the Jerusalem Nonadiabatica conference in 2018, has contributed to a significant study recently published in The Journal of Chemical Physics.

 

In this study, Dr. Baer and his team delved into the intricate relationship between light and molecules, with a focus on a molecule called [2,2]-paracyclophane (PCP). Their objective was to uncover the mechanisms behind the formation of "excimers" within PCP—instances where molecules forge unique bonds when exposed to light.

Using advanced computational techniques and conducting precise experiments on crystalline structures, the team made several noteworthy discoveries. They pinpointed specific directions in which PCP absorbs light upon excitation, offering crucial insights into its molecular structure. Moreover, they revealed the existence of distinct light-absorbing states in PCP, resembling various modes of molecular behavior triggered by light.

Furthermore, the research drew parallels between PCP's behavior and that of benzene—a extensively studied molecule with similar excimer-forming properties. By leveraging PCP as a model system, the team gleaned valuable insights into the broader behavior of aromatic molecules like benzene, thereby advancing our understanding of fundamental chemical processes.

The publication can be accessed on the AIP Publishing website here.